Programs

Type Evaluation Program

What is Type Evaluation?

Type Evaluation (or Classification) is a program that has been utilized for many years by other livestock groups (primarily the dairy industries). Type evaluation is the comparison of an individual animal (and its parts) against the ideal Canadian Boer Goat – according to the current CMGA scorecard and breed standards. The breeder is provided with an official form, indicating a linear score between 1 and 9 for each of the type traits, with a final score ranking the animal as compared to the ideal. The type traits evaluated are: Size and Development, Structure (frame), Structure (feet and legs), Structure (rump), Volume and Capacity, Muscling, Breed and Sex Character, and Soundness/Reproductive System.

How is Type Evaluation useful?

Type Evaluation programs can be of assistance to both purebred and commercial producers. These programs help producers identify specific strengths and weaknesses of individual animals in their herd, and as a result, can help lead to overall herd and breed improvement. Productivity, longevity, and disease resistance have been shown to have a direct relationship with good conformation. Type Evaluation results can also be used as a marketing tool, making selling and purchasing at a distance easier to do.

I already show my animals, why would I want to have them classified?

While showing is an excellent promotional tool and a good way to have your animals judged, it differs in one very major way from a Type Evaluation program. At a show, animals are only compared to the other animals that are present at that venue. Therefore, goats which may be judged Grand Champion, may not necessarily epitomize the qualities of the Boer breed, but are only the best of what was exhibited that day.

In a Type Evaluation Program, each animal is judged against the IDEAL Boer goat – consequently, the results from an Evaluation have much more merit than a championship ribbon in terms of recognizing traits to assist in potential genetic improvement.

Type Evaluation is also an asset to those who either can not, or chose not, to show. It provides an opportunity for an official evaluation of an animal on farm without the logistical problems of attending a show and the possible biosecurity risks of moving one’s animals to a common venue.

Who can participate in Type Evaluation?

Any CMGA member in good standing whose membership fees are paid in full for the current year can participate.

What animals can be evaluated?

Both registered Percentage and Purebred animals can be evaluated. Tattoos will be checked by the evaluator and must be legible. All animals must have their original registration papers on site.

Breeders also have the option to have unregistered animals evaluated. The evaluator will mark all of the individual type traits, but will not calculate a final score.

Does must have kidded at least once in order to be evaluated and must have kidded within one year of the evaluation. Bucks must be at least one year old.

Congratulations to all of the participants in the 2013 Type Evaluation Program.

Bucks and does receiving a minimum of 85 (Very Good) are listed in the Winter 2014 issue of the Canadian Meat Goat Journal and can be found HERE.